Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern

ABSTRACT

A resist composition having; (A1) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), (A2) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (II) and being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and not including the structural unit represented by the formula (I) and (B) an acid generator. 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             wherein R 1 , A 1 , A 13 , X 12 , A 14 , R 3  and ring X 1  are defined in the specification.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2011-157520 filed on Jul. 19, 2011. The entire disclosures of Japanese Application No. 2011-157520 is incorporated hereinto by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a resist composition and a method for producing a resist pattern.

2. Background Information

A resist composition which contains a resin including a polymer having a structural unit (u-A) and a structural unit (u-B), a polymer having a structural unit (u-C), a structural unit (u-D) and a structural unit (u-B), and an acid generator, is described in Patent document of JP-2010-197413A.

However, with the conventional resist composition, the focus margin (DOF) at producing a resist pattern may be not always satisfied with, and number of the defects of the resist pattern to be produced from the resist composition may quite increase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides following inventions of <1> to <7>.

<1> A resist composition comprising

a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I),

a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (II) and being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and not including the structural unit represented by the formula (I) and

an acid generator.

wherein R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

A¹ represents a C₁ to C₆ alkanediyl group;

A¹³ represents a C₁ to C₁₈ divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

X¹² represents *—CO—O— or *—O—CO—;

* represents a bond to A¹³;

A¹⁴ represents a C₁ to C₁₇ aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

wherein R³ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

ring X¹ represents a C₂ to C₃₆ heterocyclic group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the heterocyclic group may be replaced by a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₂₄ hydrocarbon group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group.

<2> The resist composition according to <1>, wherein A¹ in the formula (I) is an ethylene group.

<3> The resist composition according to <1> or <2>, wherein A¹³ in the formula (I) is a C₁ to C₆ perfluoro alkanediyl group.

<4> The resist composition according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein X¹² in the formula (I) is *—CO—O—, * represents a bond to A¹³.

<5> The resist composition according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein A¹⁴ in the formula (I) is a cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl or adamantyl group.

<6> The resist composition according to any one of <1> to <5>, which further comprises a solvent.

<7> A method for producing a resist pattern comprising steps of;

(1) applying the resist composition of any one of <1> to <6> onto a substrate;

(2) drying the applied composition to form a composition layer;

(3) exposing the composition layer;

(4) heating the exposed composition layer, and

(5) developing the heated composition layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the chemical structure formulas of the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the suitable choice of carbon number made for the exemplified substituent groups are applicable in all of the chemical structure formulas that have those same substituent groups. Unless otherwise specified, these can include any of straight-chain, branched chain, cyclic structure and a combination thereof. When there is a stereoisomeric form, all stereoisomeric forms included.

“(Meth)acrylic monomer” means at least one monomer having a structure of “CH₂═CH—CO—” or “CH₂═C(CH₃)—CO—”, as well as “(meth)acrylate” and “(meth)acrylic acid” mean “at least one acrylate or methacrylate” and “at least one acrylic acid or methacrylic acid,” respectively.

<Resist Composition>

The resist composition of the present invention contains;

a resin (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “resin (A)”), and

an acid generator (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “acid generator (B)”).

Further, the present resist composition preferably contains a solvent (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “solvent (E)”) and/or an additive such as a basic compound (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “basic compound (C)”) which is known as a quencher in this technical field, as needed.

Resin (A)>

The resin (A) includes;

a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I) (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “resin (A1)”), and

a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (II) and being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and not including the structural unit represented by the formula (I) (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “resin (A2)”).

Also, the resin (A) may contain a structural unit other than the resin (A1) and the resin (A2).

<Resin (A1)>

The resin (A1) has a structural unit represented by the formula (I) (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “structural unit (I)”).

wherein R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

A¹ represents a C₁ to C₆ alkanediyl group;

A¹³ represents a C₁ to C₁₈ divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

X¹² represents *—CO—O— or *—O—CO—;

* represents a bond to A¹³;

A¹⁴ represents a C₁ to C₁₇ aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms.

In the formula (I), examples of the alkanediyl group of A¹ include a chain alkanediyl group such as methylene, ethylene, propane-1,3-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl, butane-1,4-diyl, pentane-1,5-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl; a branched alkanediyl group such as 1-methylpropane-1,3-diyl, 2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl, 2-methylpropane-1,2-diyl, 1-methylbutane-1,4-diyl, 2-methylbutane-1,4-diyl groups.

Examples of the halogen atom of A¹³ include a fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms. The fluorine atom is preferable.

The divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group of A¹³ may be any of a chain and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and a combination of two or more such groups. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may include a carbon-carbon double bond, is preferably a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably an alkanediyl group and a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms of A¹³ is preferably a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more fluorine atoms.

Examples of the chain divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen (preferably fluorine) atoms include methylene, difluoromethylene, ethylene, perfluoroethylene, propanediyl, perfluoropropanediyl, butanediyl, perfluorobutanediyl, pentanediyl, perfluoropentanediyl, dichloromethylene and dibromomethylene groups.

The cyclic divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen (preferably fluorine) atoms may be either monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon group. Examples thereof include a monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as cyclohexanediyl, perfluorocyclohexanediyl and perchlorocyclohexanediyl; a polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as adamantanediyl, norbornanediyl and perfluoro adamantanediyl groups.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group of A¹⁴ may be any of a chain and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, and a combination of two or more such groups. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may include a carbon-carbon double bond, is preferably a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably an alkyl group and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms of A¹⁴ is preferably a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more fluorine atoms.

Examples of the chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen (preferably fluorine) atoms include difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, methyl, 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl, ethyl, perfluoroethyl, perfluoropropyl, 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropyl, propyl, perfluorobutyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutyl, butyl, perfluoropentyl, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluoropentyl, pentyl, hexyl, perfluorohexyl, heptyl, perfluoroheptyl, octyl, perfluorooctyl, trichloromethyl, and tribromomethyl groups.

The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen (preferably fluorine) atoms may be either monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon group. Examples thereof include the monocyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, perfluorocyclohexyl and perchlorocyclohexyl; polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as adamantyl, norbornyl and perfluoro adamantyl groups.

Examples of the combination of the chain and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon groups include cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, adamantylmethyl and perfluoro adamantylmethyl groups.

A¹ in the formula (I) is preferably a C₂ to C₄ alkanediyl group, and more preferably an ethylene group.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group of A¹³ is preferably a C₁ to C₆ aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably a C₂ to C₃ aliphatic hydrocarbon group.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon group of A¹⁴ is preferably a C₃ to C₁₂ aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably a C₃ to C₁₀ aliphatic hydrocarbon group. Among these, A¹⁴ is preferably a C₃ to C₁₂ aliphatic hydrocarbon group which include an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, and still more preferably cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl and adamantyl groups.

Specific examples of the structural units (I) include as follows.

Also, examples of the structural units (I) include structural units in which a methyl group corresponding to R¹ in the structural units represented by the above is replaced by a hydrogen atom.

The structural unit (I) is derived from a compound represented by the formula (I′), hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “compound (I′)”.

wherein R¹, A¹, A¹³, X¹² and A¹⁴ have the same definition of the above.

The compound (I′) can be produced by a method below.

wherein R¹, A¹, A¹³, X¹² and A¹⁴ have the same definition of the above.

The compound (I′) can be obtained by reacting a compound represented by the formula (Is-1) with a carboxylic acid represented by the formula (Is-2). This reaction is usually performed in presence of a solvent. Preferred examples of the solvent include tetrahydrofuran and toluene. This reaction may be coexistent with a known esterification catalyst, for example, an acid catalyst, carbodiimide catalyst.

As the compound represented by the formula (Is-1), a marketed product or a compound which is produced by a known method may be used. The known method includes a method condensing (meth)acrylic acid or derivatives thereof, for example, (meth)acrylic chloride, with a suitable diol (HO-A¹-OH). The hydroxyethyl methacrylate can be used as a marketed product.

The carboxylic acid represented by the formula (Is-2) can be produced by a known method. Examples of the carboxylic acid represented by the formula (Is-2) include compounds below.

The resin (A1) may include a structural unit other than the structural unit (I).

Examples of the structural unit other than the structural unit (I) include a structural unit derived from a monomer having an acid labile group described below (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “acid labile monomer (a1)”), a structural unit derived from a monomer not having an acid labile group described below (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “acid stable monomer”), a structural unit represented by the formula (III-1) (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “structural unit (III-1)”) described below, a structural unit represented by the formula (III-2) (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “structural unit (III-2)”) described below, a structural unit derived from a known monomer in this field, a structural unit represented by the formula (II) described below. Among these, the structural unit (III-1) and the structural unit (III-2) are preferable.

wherein R¹¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

represents a C₁ to C₆ alkanediyl group;

R¹² represents a C₁ to C₁₀ hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom.

wherein R²¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

ring W² represents a C₆ to C₁₀ hydrocarbon ring;

A22 represents —O—, *—CO—O— or * —O—CO—, * represents a bond to ring W²;

R²² represents a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group having a fluorine atom.

In the formula (III-1), examples of the alkanediyl group of include a chain alkanediyl group such as methylene, ethylene, propane-1,3-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl, butane-1,4-diyl, pentane-1,5-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl; a branched alkanediyl group such as 1-methylpropane-1,3-diyl, 2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl, 2-methylpropane-1,2-diyl, 1-methylbutane-1,4-diyl and 2-methylbutane-1,4-diyl groups.

The hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom of R¹² may be an alkyl group having a fluorine atom and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom.

Examples of the alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, iso-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-pentyl, tert-pentyl, neo-pentyl and hexyl groups.

Examples of the alkyl group having a fluorine atom include a fluorinated alkyl group such as, groups described below, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 1,1-difluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, perfluoroethyl, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropyl, perfluoroethylmethyl, 1-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl, perfluoropropyl, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluorobutyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluorobutyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutyl, perfluorobutyl, 1,1-bis(trifluoro)methyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-(perfluoropropyl)ethyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluoropentyl, perfluoropentyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-decafluoropentyl, 1,1-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl, perfluoropentyl, 2-(perfluorobutyl)ethyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-decafluorohexyl, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-dodecafluorohexyl, perfluoropentylmethyl and perfluorohexyl groups.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group is preferably a saturated ring of an aliphatic hydrocarbon group in which a hydrogen atom is removed. Examples of the saturated ring of an aliphatic hydrocarbon group include groups below.

Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom include a fluorinated cycloalkyl group such as perfluorocyclohexyl and perfluoroadamantyl groups.

The hydrocarbon ring of ring W² may be an alicyclic hydrocarbon ring, and preferably a saturated alicyclic hydrocarbon ring. Examples of the saturated alicyclic hydrocarbon ring include adamantane and cyclohexane rings, and adamantane ring is preferable.

Examples of the structural unit (III-1) include structural units below.

Also, examples of the structural units (III-1) include structural units in which a methyl group corresponding to R¹¹ in the structural units represented by the above is replaced by a hydrogen atom.

Examples of the structural unit (III-2) include structural units below.

Also, examples of the structural units (III-2) include structural units in which a methyl group corresponding to R²¹ in the structural units represented by the above is replaced by a hydrogen atom.

The proportion of the structural unit (I) in the resin (A1) is generally 5 to 100 mol %, preferably 10 to 100 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A1).

When the resin (A1) contains the structural unit (III-1) and/or the structural unit (III-2), the total proportion thereof in the resin (A1) is generally 1 to 95 mol %, preferably 2 to 80 mol %, more preferably 5 to 70 mol %, still more preferably 5 to 50 mol % and in particular preferably 5 to 30 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A1).

The weight ratio of the structural unit (III-1): the structural unit (III-2) is preferably, for example, 0:100 to 100:0, more preferably 3:97 to 97:3, still more preferably 50:50 to 95:5.

For achieving the proportion of the structural unit (I), the structural unit (III-1) and/or the structural unit (III-2) in the resin (A1) within the above range, the amount of the compound (I′), a monomer giving the structural unit (III-1) and/or a monomer giving the structural unit (III-2) to be used can be adjusted with respect to the total amount of the monomer to be used when the resin (A1) is produced (the same shall apply hereinafter for corresponding adjustment of the proportion).

The resin (A1) can be produced by a known polymerization method, for example, radical polymerization method, using at least one of the compound (I′), at least one of the monomer giving the structural unit (III-1) and/or at least one of the monomer giving the structural unit (III-2), as well as optionally at least one of the acid labile monomer (a1), at least one of the acid stable monomer and/or at least one of a known compound, described below.

The weight average molecular weight of the resin (A1) is preferably 5,000 or more (more preferably 7,000 or more, and still more preferably 10,000 or more), and 80,000 or less (more preferably 50,000 or less, and still more preferably 30,000 or less).

The weight average molecular weight is a value determined by gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene as the standard product. The detailed condition of this analysis is described in Examples.

<Resin (A2)>

The resin (A2) is a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (II) (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “structural unit (II)”), and being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid. Here “the resin becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid” means that the resin (A2) is insoluble or poorly soluble in aqueous alkali solution before contact with the acid, and becomes soluble in aqueous alkali solution after contact with an acid.

The resin (A2) may further include a structural unit other than the structural unit (II), which may have an acid labile group. That is, the resin (A2) may has a structural unit derived from a monomer having an acid labile group (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “acid labile monomer (a1)”) in addition to the structural unit (II).

Also, the resin (A2) may include a structural unit other than the structural unit having the acid labile group as long as the resin (A2) has above properties and does not have the structural unit (I). Examples of the structural unit other than the structural unit having the acid labile group include a structural unit derived from a monomer which doesn't have the acid labile group (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “acid stable monomer”), the structural unit derived from a known monomer in this field, the structural unit (III-1) and/or the structural unit (III-2) described above.

wherein R³ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

ring X¹ represents a C₂ to C₃₆ heterocyclic group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the heterocyclic group may be replaced by a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₂₄ hydrocarbon group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group.

In the formula (II), examples of the halogen atom of R³ include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms.

Examples of the alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, iso-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-pentyl, tert-pentyl, neo-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylpentyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, and 1-ethylpropyl groups.

Examples of the alkyl group that has one or more halogen atoms (preferably fluorine atom) include trifluoromethyl, perfluoroethyl, perfluoropropyl, perfluoro-isopropyl, perfluorobutyl, perfluoro-sec-butyl, perfluoro-tert-butyl, perfluoropentyl, perfluorohexyl, trichloromethyl and tribromomethyl groups.

In the formula (II), R³ is preferably a hydrogen atom or methyl group.

The heterocyclic group of ring X¹ may be a group containing —CO— and a nitrogen atom, it may be any of an aromatic heterocyclic or a non-aromatic heterocyclic group, and any of a monocyclic or a polycyclic group.

Specific examples of the group below include as follows.

Ring X¹ is preferably a 4 to 6-membered heterocyclic group containing a nitrogen atom and —CO— or a bridge ring containing such 4 to 6-membered heterocyclic group, and more preferably a lactam ring in which an amide bond is formed by a nitrogen atom and —CO— contained in the heterocyclic group.

The hydrocarbon group which is a substituent of ring X¹ may be any of a chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group and a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group, and a combination of two or more such groups.

Examples of the chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, hexadecyl, pentadecyl, hexyldecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl groups.

Examples of the cyclic hydrocarbon group include a monocyclic hydrocarbon group, i.e., cycloalkyl group such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl groups; and a polycyclic hydrocarbon group such as decahydronaphtyl, adamantyl and norbornyl groups, and a group as follows.

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include an aryl group such as phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, biphenyl, phenanthryl and fluorenyl groups.

Examples of the alkoxyl group include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy, decyloxy and dodecyloxy groups.

Examples of the acyl group include acetyl, propionyl and butyryl groups.

Examples of the acyloxy group include acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butyryloxy and iso-butyryloxy groups.

As the structural unit (II), either structural unit derived from a compound represented by the formula (IIA), a compound represented by the formula (IIB), a compound represented by the formula (IIC), a compound represented by the formula (IID) or a compound represented by the formula (IIE) is preferable.

wherein R²³ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

R²⁴ and R²⁵ in each occurrence independently and R²⁶ to R²⁹ independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C₁ to C₂₄ hydrocarbon group, or at least two of R²⁴ to R²⁹ may be bonded together to form a C₃ to C₃₀ ring, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the hydrocarbon group or the ring may be replaced by a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the hydrocarbon group or the ring may be replaced by —CO— or —O—;

n represents an integer of 0 to 3.

wherein R³⁹ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

R⁴⁰, R⁴¹, R⁴⁷ and R⁴⁸ in each occurrence independently and R⁴² to R⁴⁶ and R⁴⁹ independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbon group, or at least two of R⁴⁰ to R⁴⁹ may be bonded together to form a C₃ to C₂₄ ring, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the hydrocarbon group or the ring may be replaced by a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the hydrocarbon group or the ring may be replaced by —CO— or —O—;

n4 and n5 independently represent an integer of 0 to 3.

wherein R⁵² represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

R⁵³, R⁵⁴, R⁶³, R⁶⁴, R⁶⁶ and R⁶⁷ in each occurrence independently and R⁵⁵ to R⁶², R⁶⁵ and R⁶⁸ independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbon group, or at least two of R⁵³ to R⁶⁸ may be bonded together to form a C₃ to C₁₈ ring, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the hydrocarbon group or the ring may be replaced by a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the hydrocarbon group or the ring may be replaced by —CO— or —O—;

n6, n7 and n8 independently represent an integer of 0 to 3.

wherein R³¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

R³² in each occurrence independently represents a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group;

n9 represents an integer of 0 to 8.

wherein R³³ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

R³⁴ in each occurrence independently represents a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group;

n10 represents an integer of 0 to 14.

Examples of the ring formed by bonding at least two of R²⁴ to R²⁹, R⁴⁰ to R⁴⁹, or R⁵³ to R⁶⁸ include the same heterocyclic groups as described above.

n is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n4 is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n5 is preferably 1 or 2, and more preferably 1.

n6 is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n7 is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n8 is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 1.

n9 is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n10 is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

Examples of the structural unit (II) include structural units below.

Also, examples of the structural units (II) include structural units in which a methyl group corresponding to R³ in the structural units represented by the above is replaced by a hydrogen atom.

Among these, the structural units derived from the compound represented by the formula (IIA), the compound represented by the formula (IIB) and the compound represented by the formula (IID) are preferable, and the structural units derived from the compound represented by the formula (IID) is more preferable.

The structural unit (II) is derived from a compound represented by the formula (II′) (hereinafter is sometimes referred to as “compound (II′)”.

wherein ring X¹ and R³ represent the same meaning as described above.

The compound represented by the formula (II′) can be produced according to a known method, for example, described below.

The compound represented by the formula (II′) can be obtained by reacting a compound represented by the formula (II-a) with a compound represented by the formula (II-b) in presence of a catalyst in a solvent. Preferred examples of the catalyst include N-methylpyrrolidine. Preferred examples of the solvent include N,N-dimethylformamide.

wherein ring X¹ and R³ represent the same meaning as described above;

X represents a halogen atom or (meth)acryloyloxy group.

Examples of the halogen atom include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms. The chlorine atom is preferable.

Example of the compound represented by the formula (II-a) include, for example, compounds below. Commercially available compounds are used as these.

The compound represented by the formula (II-a-1) can be obtained by reacting cyclopentene with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate (see, JP2007-514775A).

Examples of the compound represented by the formula (II-b) include methacrylic chloride and methacrylic anhydride.

<Acid Labile Monomer (a1)>

The “acid labile group” means a group which has an elimination group and in which the elimination group is to be detached by contacting with an acid resulting in forming a hydrophilic group such as a hydroxy or carboxy group. Examples of the acid labile group include a group represented by the formula (1) and a group represented by the formula (2). Hereinafter a group represented by the formula (1) sometimes refers to as an “acid labile group (1)”, and a group represented by the formula (2) sometimes refers to as an “acid labile group (2)”.

wherein R^(a1) to R^(a3) independently represent a C₁ to C₈ alkyl group or a C₃ to C₂₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, or R^(a1) and R^(a2) may be bonded together to form a C₂ to C₂₀ divalent hydrocarbon group, * represents a bond. In particular, the bond here represents a bonding site (the similar shall apply hereinafter for “bond”).

wherein R^(a1′) and R^(a2′) independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbon group, R^(a3′) represents a C₁ to C₂₀ hydrocarbon group, or R^(a2′) and R^(a3′) may be bonded together to form a divalent C₂ to C₂₀ hydrocarbon group, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the hydrocarbon group or the divalent hydrocarbon group may be replaced by —O— or —S—, * represents a bond.

Examples of the alkyl group of R^(a1) to R^(a3) include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl groups.

Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of R^(a1) to R^(a3) include monocyclic hydrocarbon groups such as a cycloalkyl group, i.e., cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl, dimethylcyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl groups; and polycyclic hydrocarbon groups such as decahydronaphtyl, adamantyl, norbornyl (i.e., bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl), and methyl norbornyl groups as well as groups below.

The hydrogen atom contained in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of R^(a1) to R^(a3) may be replaced an alkyl group. In this case, the carbon number of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group is comparable to the total carbon number of the alkyl group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group.

The alicyclic hydrocarbon group of R^(a1) to R^(a3) preferably has 3 to 16 carbon atoms, and more preferably has 4 to 16 carbon atoms.

When R^(a1) and R^(a2) is bonded together to form a C₂ to C₂₀ divalent hydrocarbon group, examples of the group-C(R^(a1))(R^(a2))(R^(a3)) include groups below. The divalent hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 12 carbon atoms. * represents a bond to —O—.

Specific examples of the acid labile group (1) include, for example,

1,1-dialkylalkoxycarbonyl group (a group in which R^(a1) to R^(a3) are alkyl groups, preferably tert-butoxycarbonyl group, in the formula (1)),

2-alkyladamantane-2-yloxycarbonyl group (a group in which R^(a1), R^(a2) and a carbon atom form adamantyl group, and R^(a3) is alkyl group, in the formula (1)), and

1-(adamantane-1-yl)-1-alkylalkoxycarbonyl group (a group in which R^(a1) and R^(a2) are alkyl group, and R^(a3) is adamantyl group, in the formula (1)).

The hydrocarbon group of R^(a1′) to R^(a3′) includes any of an alkyl group, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group and an aromatic hydrocarbon group.

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include an aryl group such as phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, p-methylphenyl, p-tert-butylphenyl, p-adamantylphenyl, tolyl, xylyl, cumenyl, mesityl, biphenyl, phenanthryl, 2,6-diethylphenyl and 2-methyl-6-ethylphenyl groups.

Examples of the divalent hydrocarbon group which is formed by bonding with R^(a2′) and R^(a3′) include a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group.

At least one of R^(a1′) and R^(a2′) is preferably a hydrogen atom.

Specific examples of the acid labile group (2) include a group below.

The acid labile monomer (a1) is preferably a monomer having an acid labile group and a carbon-carbon double bond, and more preferably a (meth)acrylic monomer having the acid labile group.

Among the (meth)acrylic monomer having an acid labile group, it is preferably a monomer having a C₅ to C₂₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group. When a resin which can be obtained by polymerizing monomers having bulky structure such as the alicyclic hydrocarbon group is used, the resist composition having excellent resolution tends to be obtained during the production of a resist pattern.

Examples of the (meth)acrylic monomer having the acid labile group (1) and a carbon-carbon double bond preferably include a monomer represented by the formula (a1-1) and a monomer represented by the formula (a1-2), below (hereinafter are sometimes referred to as a “monomer (a1-1)” and a “monomer (a1-2)”). These may be used as a single monomer or as a combination of two or more monomers.

wherein L^(a1) and L^(a2) independently represent *—O— or *—O—(CH₂)_(k1)—CO—O—, k1 represents an integer of 1 to 7, * represents a bond to the carbonyl group;

R^(a4) and R^(a5) independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

R^(a6) and R^(a7) independently represent a C₁ to C₈ alkyl group or a C₃ to C₁₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group;

m1 represents an integer 0 to 14;

n1 represents an integer 0 to 10; and

n1′ represents an integer 0 to 3.

In the formula (a1-1) and the formula (a1-2), L^(a1) and L^(a2) are preferably *—O— or *—O—(CH₂)_(k1′)—CO—O—, here k1′ represents an integer of 1 to 4 and more preferably 1, and more preferably *—O—.

R^(a4) and R^(a5) are preferably a methyl group.

Examples of the alkyl group of R^(a6) and R^(a7) include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and octyl groups. Among these, the alkyl group of R^(a6) and R^(a7) is preferably a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group.

Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of R^(a6) and R^(a7) include monocyclic hydrocarbon groups such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl, dimethylcyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl groups; and polycyclic hydrocarbon groups such as decahydronaphtyl, adamantyl, norbornyl (i.e., bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl), and methyl norbornyl groups as well as groups above. Among these, the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of R^(a6) and R^(a7) is preferably a C₃ to C₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably a C₃ to C₆ alicyclic hydrocarbon group.

m1 is preferably an integer of 0 to 3, and more preferably 0 or 1.

n1 is preferably an integer of 0 to 3, and more preferably 0 or 1.

n1′ is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 1.

Examples of the monomer (a1-1) include monomers described in JP 2010-204646A. Among these, the monomers are preferably monomers represented by the formula (a1-1-1) to the formula (a1-1-8), and more preferably monomers represented by the formula (a1-1-1) to the formula (a1-1-4) below.

Examples of the monomer (a1-2) include 1-ethyl-1-cyclopentane-1-yl(meth)acrylate, 1-ethyl-1-cyclohexane-1-yl(meth)acrylate, 1-ethyl-1-cycloheptane-1-yl(meth)acrylate, 1-methyl-1-cyclopentane-1-yl(meth)acrylate and 1-isopropyl-1-cyclopentane-1-yl(meth)acrylate. Among these, the monomers are preferably monomers represented by the formula (a1-2-1) to the formula (a1-2-12), and more preferably monomers represented by the formula (a1-2-3), the formula (a1-2-4), the formula (a1-2-9) and the formula (a1-2-10), and still more preferably monomers represented by the formula (a1-2-3) and the formula (a1-2-9) below.

When the resin (A2) contains the structural unit (a1-1) and/or the structural unit (a1-2), the total proportion thereof is generally 10 to 95 mol %, preferably 15 to 90 mol %, more preferably 20 to 85 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) of the resin (A2).

Examples of a monomer having an acid-labile group (2) and a carbon-carbon double bond include a monomer represented by the formula (a1-5). Such monomer is sometimes hereinafter referred to as “monomer (a1-5)”. When the resin (A2) has the structural unit derived from the monomer (a1-5), a resist pattern tends to be obtained with less defects.

wherein R³¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has a halogen atom;

Z¹ represents a single bond or *—O—(CH₂)_(k4)—CO-L⁴-, k4 represents an integer of 1 to 4, * represents a bond to L¹;

L¹, L², L³ and L⁴ independently represent *—O— or *—S—.

s1 represents an integer of 1 to 3;

s1′ represents an integer of 0 to 3.

In the formula (a1-5), R³¹ is preferably a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or trifluoromethyl group;

L¹ is preferably —O—;

L² and L³ are independently preferably *—O— or *—S—, and more preferably —O— for one and —S— for another;

s1 is preferably 1;

s1′ is preferably an integer of 0 to 2;

Z¹ is preferably a single bond or —CH₂—CO—O—.

Examples of the monomer (a1-5) include monomers below.

When the resin (A2) contains the structural unit derived from the monomer (a1-5), the proportion thereof is generally 1 to 50 mol %, preferably 3 to 45 mol %, and more preferably 5 to 40 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A2).

<Acid Stable Monomer>

As the acid stable monomer, a monomer having a hydroxy group or a lactone ring is preferable. When a resin containing the structural unit derived from a monomer having hydroxy group (hereinafter such acid stable monomer is sometimes referred to as “acid stable monomer (a2)”) or a acid stable monomer having a lactone ring (hereinafter such acid stable monomer is sometimes referred to as “acid stable monomer (a3)”) is used, the adhesiveness of resist pattern to a substrate and resolution of resist pattern tend to be improved.

<Acid Stable Monomer (a2)>

The acid stable monomer (a2), which has a hydroxy group, is preferably selected depending on the kinds of an exposure light source at producing the resist pattern.

When KrF excimer laser lithography (248 nm), or high-energy irradiation such as electron beam or EUV light is used for the resist composition, using the acid stable monomer having a phenolic hydroxy group such as hydroxystyrene as the acid stable monomer (a2) is preferable.

When ArF excimer laser lithography (193 nm), i.e., short wavelength excimer laser lithography is used, using the acid stable monomer having a hydroxy adamantyl group represented by the formula (a2-1) as the acid stable monomer (a2) is preferable.

The acid stable monomer (a2) having the hydroxy group may be used as a single monomer or as a combination of two or more monomers.

Examples of the acid stable monomer having hydroxy adamantyl include the monomer represented by the formula (a2-1).

wherein L^(a3) represents —O— or *—O—(CH₂)_(k2)—CO—O—;

k2 represents an integer of 1 to 7;

-   -   * represents a bind to —CO—;

R^(a14) represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

R^(a15) and R^(a16) independently represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or a hydroxy group;

o1 represents an integer of 0 to 10.

In the formula (a2-1), L^(a3) is preferably —O—, —O—(CH₂)_(f1)—CO—O—, here f1 represents an integer of 1 to 4, and more preferably —O—.

R^(a14) is preferably a methyl group.

R^(a15) is preferably a hydrogen atom.

R^(a16) is preferably a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group.

o1 is preferably an integer of 0 to 3, and more preferably an integer of 0 or 1.

Examples of the acid stable monomer (a2-1) include monomers described in JP 2010-204646A. Among these, the monomers are preferably monomers represented by the formula (a2-1-1) to the formula (a2-1-6), more preferably monomers represented by the formula (a2-1-1) to the formula (a2-1-4), and still more preferably monomers represented by the formula (a2-1-1) and the formula (a2-1-3) below.

When the resin (A2) contains the acid stable structural unit derived from the monomer represented by the formula (a2-1), the proportion thereof is generally 3 to 45 mol %, preferably 5 to 40 mol %, more preferably 5 to 35 mol %, and still more preferably 5 to 30 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A2).

<Acid Stable Monomer (a3)>

The lactone ring included in the acid stable monomer (a3) may be a monocyclic compound such as β-propiolactone ring, γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, or a condensed ring with monocyclic lactone ring and other ring. Among these, γ-butyrolactone and condensed ring with γ-butyrolactone and other ring are preferable.

Examples of the acid stable monomer (a3) having the lactone ring include monomers represented by the formula (a3-1), the formula (a3-2) and the formula (a3-3). These monomers may be used as a single monomer or as a combination of two or more monomers.

wherein L^(a4) to L^(a6) independently represent —O— or *—O—(CH₂)_(k3)—CO—O—;

k3 represents an integer of 1 to 7, * represents a bind to —CO—;

R^(a18) to R^(a20) independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

R^(a21) in each occurrence represents a C₁ to C₄ alkyl group;

p1 represents an integer of 0 to 5;

R^(a22) to R^(a23) in each occurrence independently represent a carboxyl group, cyano group, and a C₁ to C₄ alkyl group;

q1 and r1 independently represent an integer of 0 to 3.

In the formulae (a3-1) to (a3-3), L^(a4) to L^(a6) include the same group as described in L^(a3) above, and are independently preferably —O—, *—O—(CH₂)_(k3′)—CO—O—, here k3′ represents an integer of 1 to 4 (preferably 1), and more preferably —O—;

R^(a18) to R^(a21) are independently preferably a methyl group.

R^(a22) and R^(a23) are independently preferably a carboxyl group, cyano group or methyl group;

p1 to r1 are independently preferably an integer of 0 to 2, and more preferably an integer of 0 or 1.

Examples of the monomer (a3) include monomers described in JP 2010-204646A. Among these, the monomers are preferably monomers represented by the formula (a3-1-1) to the formula (a3-1-4), the formula (a3-2-1) to the formula (a3-2-4), the formula (a3-3-1) to the formula (a3-3-4), more preferably monomers represented by the formula (a3-1-1) to the formula (a3-1-2), the formula (a3-2-3) to the formula (a3-2-4), and still more preferably monomers represented by the formula (a3-1-1) and the formula (a3-2-3) below.

When the resin (A2) contains the structural units derived from the acid stable monomer (a3) having the lactone ring, the total proportion thereof is preferably 5 to 70 mol %, more preferably 10 to 65 mol %, still more preferably 15 to 60 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A2).

As described above, the resin (A2) may further include a structural unit other than the structural unit (II). The proportion of the structural unit (II) in the resin (A2) is generally 1 to 100 mol %, preferably 1 to 95 mol %, more preferably 1 to 80 mol %, still more preferably 2 to 75 mol %, further more preferably 3 to 70 mol % or 5 to 65 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A2).

For achieving the proportion of the structural unit (II) in the resin (A2) within the above range, the amount of the compound (II′) to be used can be adjusted with respect to the total amount of the monomer to be used when the resin (A2) is produced.

When the resin (A2) is the resin having the structural unit (II) and the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer,

the proportion of the structural unit (II) is preferably 1 to 80 mol % and the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer is preferably 20 to 99 mol %, and

the proportion of the structural unit (II) is more preferably 5 to 65 mol % and the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer is more preferably 35 to 95 mol %, with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A2).

When the resin (A2) is the resin having the structural unit (II), the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer and the structural unit derived from the acid stable monomer,

the proportion of the structural unit (II) is preferably 1 to 80 mol %, the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer is preferably 17 to 96 mol % and the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid stable monomer is preferably 3 to 82 mol %,

the proportion of the structural unit (II) is more preferably 2 to 75 mol %, the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer is more preferably 20 to 93 mol % and the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid stable monomer is more preferably 5 to 78 mol %, and

the proportion of the structural unit (II) is still more preferably 5 to 65 mol %, the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer is still more preferably 30 to 90 mol % and the proportion of the structural unit derived from the acid stable monomer is still more preferably 5 to 65 mol %,

with respect to the total structural units (100 mol %) constituting the resin (A2).

The resin (A2) preferably contains 15 mol % or more of the structural unit derived from the monomer having an adamantyl group (in particular, the monomer having the acid labile group (a1-1)) with respect to the structural units derived from the acid labile monomer (a1). As the mole ratio of the structural unit derived from the monomer having an adamantyl group increases within this range, the dry etching resistance of the resulting resist improves.

The resin (A2) preferably is a copolymer of the compound (II′), the acid labile monomer (a1) and/or the acid stable monomer. In this copolymer, the acid labile monomer (a1) is preferably at least one of the acid labile monomer (a1-1) having an adamantyl group and the acid labile monomer (a1-2) having a cyclohexyl group, and more preferably is the acid labile monomer (a1-1).

The acid stable monomer is preferably the acid stable monomer (a2) having a hydroxy group and/or the acid stable monomer (a3) having a lactone ring. The acid stable monomer (a2) is preferably the monomer having the hydroxyadamantyl group (a2-1).

The acid stable monomer (a3) is preferably at least one of the monomer having the γ-butyrolactone ring (a3-1) and the monomer having the condensed ring of the γ-butyrolactone ring and the norbornene ring (a3-2).

The resin (A2) can be produced by a known polymerization method, for example, radical polymerization method, using at least one of the compound (II′) and at least one of the acid labile monomer (a1), and/or at least one of the acid stable monomer (a2) having a hydroxy group, and/or at least one of the acid stable monomer (a3) having a lactone ring, and/or at least one of a known compound.

The weight average molecular weight of the resin (A2) is preferably 2,500 or more (more preferably 3,000 or more, and still more preferably 4,000 or more), and 50,000 or less (more preferably 30,000 or less, and still more preferably 10,000 or less).

In the present resist composition, the weight ratio of the resins (A1):(A2) is preferably, for example, 0.01:10 to 5:10, more preferably 0.05:10 to 3:10, still more preferably 0.1:10 to 2:10, in particular, preferably 0.2:10 to 1:10.

<Resin Other than Resin (A1) and Resin (A2)>

The resist composition of the present invention may include a resin other than the resin (A1) and the resin (A2) described above. Such resin is a resin having at least one of the structural unit derived from the acid labile monomer (a1), at least one of the structural unit derived from the acid stable monomer, as described above, and/or at least one of the structural unit derived from a known monomer in this field.

The proportion of the resin (A) can be adjusted with respect to the total solid proportion of the resist composition. For example, the resist composition of the present invention preferably contains 80 weight % or more and 99 weight % or less of the resin (A), with respect to the total solid proportion of the resist composition.

In the specification, the term “solid proportion of the resist composition” means the entire proportion of all ingredients other than the solvent (E).

The proportion of the resin (A) and the solid proportion of the resist composition can be measured with a known analytical method such as, for example, liquid chromatography and gas chromatography.

<Acid Generator (B)>

An acid generator (B) is classified into non-ionic-based or ionic-based acid generator.

Examples of the non-ionic-based acid generator include organic halogenated compounds; sulfonate esters such as 2-nitrobenzyl ester, aromatic sulfonate, oxime sulfonate, N-sulfonyl oxyimide, sulfonyl oxyketone and diazo naphthoquinone 4-sulfonate; sulfones such as disulfone, ketosulfone and sulfonyl diazomethane.

Examples of the ionic acid generator includes onium salts containing onium cation (such as diazonium salts, phosphonium salts, sulfonium salts, iodonium salts).

Examples of anion of onium salts include sulfonate anion, sulfonylimide anion and sulfonylmethyde anion.

For the acid generator (B), compounds which generate an acid by radiation described in JP S63-26653-A, JP S55-164824-A, JP S62-69263-A, JP S63-146038-A, JP S63-163452-A, JP S62-153853-A, JP S63-146029-A, U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,778-B, U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,137-B, DE3,914,407-B and EP-126,712-A can be used. Also, the acid generator formed according to conventional methods can be used.

A fluorine-containing acid generator is preferable for the acid generator (B), and a sulfonic acid salt represented by the formula (B1) is more preferable.

wherein Q¹ and Q² independently represent a fluorine atom or a C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl group;

L^(b1) represents a single bond or an C₁ to C₁₇ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the divalent saturated hydrocarbon group may be replaced by —O— or —CO—;

Y represents an optionally substituted C₁ to C₁₈ alkyl group or an optionally substituted C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the alkyl group and alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be replaced by —O—, —CO— or —SO₂—; and

Z⁺ represents an organic cation.

In the formula (B1), a moiety having a negative charge in which an organic cation, Z⁺, having a positive charge is removed sometimes refers to as a sulfonate anion.

Examples of the perfluoroalkyl group of Q¹ and Q² include trifluoromethyl, perfluoroethyl, perfluoropropyl, perfluoro-isopropyl, perfluorobutyl, perfluoro-sec-butyl, perfluoro-tert-butyl, perfluoropentyl and perfluorohexyl groups.

Among these, Q¹ and Q² independently are preferably trifluoromethyl or fluorine atom, and more preferably a fluorine atom.

Examples of the a divalent saturated hydrocarbon group of L^(b1) include any of;

a chain alkanediyl group such as methylene, ethylene, propane-1,3-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl, butane-1,4-diyl, pentane-1,5-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl, heptane-1,7-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl, nonane-1,9-diyl, decane-1,10-diyl, undecane-1,11′-diyl, dodecane-1,12-diyl, tridecane-1,13-diyl, tetradecane-1,14-diyl, pentadecane-1,15-diyl, hexadecane-1,16-diyl, heptadecane-1,17-diyl, ethane-1,1-diyl, propan-1,1-diyl and propan-2,2-diyl groups;

a branched chain alkanediyl group such as a group in which a chain alkanediyl group is bonded a side chain of a C₁ to C₄ alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl, for example, butane-1,3-diyl, 2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl, 2-methylpropane-1,2-diyl, pentane-1,4-diyl and 2-methylbutane-1,4-diyl groups;

a mono-alicyclic saturated hydrocarbon group such as a cycloalkanediyl group (e.g., cyclobutan-1,3-diyl, cyclopentan-1,3-diyl, cyclohexane-1,4-diyl and cyclooctan-1,5-diyl groups);

a poly-alicyclic saturated hydrocarbon group such as norbornane-2,3-diyl, norbornane-1,4-diyl, norbornane-2,5-diyl, adamantane-1,5-diyl and adamantane-2,6-diyl groups; and

a combination of two or more groups.

Examples of the saturated hydrocarbon group of L^(b1) in which one or more —CH₂— contained in the saturated hydrocarbon group is replaced by —O— or —CO— include groups represented by the formula (b1-1) to the formula (b1-6) below. In the formula (b1-1) to the formula (b1-6), the group is represented so as to correspond with two sides of the formula (B1), that is, the left side of the group bonds to the carbon atom of C(Q¹)(Q²)- and the right side of the group bonds to —Y (examples of the formula (b1-1) to the formula (b1-6) are the same as above). * represents a bond.

wherein L^(b2) represents a single bond or a C₁ to C₁₅ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group;

L^(b3) represents a single bond or a C₁ to C₁₂ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group;

L^(b4) represents a C₁ to C₁₃ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group, the total number of the carbon atoms in L^(b3) and L^(b4) is at most 13;

L^(b5) represents a C₁ to C₁₅ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group;

L^(b6) and L^(b7) independently represent a C₁ to C₁₅ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group, the total number of the carbon atoms in L^(b6) and L^(b7) is at most 16;

L^(b8) represents a C₁ to C₁₄ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group;

L^(b9) and L^(b10) independently represent a C₁ to C₁₁ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group, the total number of the carbon atoms in L^(b9) and L^(b10) is at most 12.

The saturated hydrocarbon group of L^(b2) to L^(b9) is preferably an alkanediyl group. The saturated hydrocarbon group of L^(b10) is preferably an alkanediyl group and a C₃ to C₁₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably an alkanediyl, cycloalkyl and adamantyl groups.

L^(b1) is preferably the groups represented by the formula (b1-1) to the formula (b1-4), more preferably the group represented by the formula (b1-1) or the formula (b1-2), and still more preferably the group represented by the formula (b1-1). In particular, the divalent group represented by the formula (b1-1) in which L^(b2) represents a single bond or —CH₂— is preferable.

Specific examples of the divalent group represented by the formula (b1-1) include groups below. In the formula below, * represent a bond.

Specific examples of the divalent group represented by the formula (b1-2) include groups below.

Specific examples of the divalent group represented by the formula (b1-3) include groups below.

Specific examples of the divalent group represented by the formula (b1-4) include a group below.

Specific examples of the divalent group represented by the formula (b1-5) include groups below.

Specific examples of the divalent group represented by the formula (b1-6) include groups below.

Examples of the alkyl group of Y include methyl, ethyl, 1-methylethyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, 2,2-dimethylethyl, propyl, 1-methylpropyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, butyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1-propylbutyl, pentyl, 1-methylpentyl, hexyl, 1,4-dimethylhexyl, heptyl, 1-methylheptyl, octyl, methyloctyl, methylnonyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl and dodecyl groups.

The alkyl group of Y is preferably a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group.

Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of Y include groups represented by the formula (Y1) to the formula (Y11).

Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of Y in which one or more —CH₂— contained in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group is replaced by —O—, —CO— or —SO₂— include groups represented by the formula (Y12) to the formula (Y26).

Among these, the alicyclic hydrocarbon group is preferably any one of groups represented by the formula (Y1) to the formula (Y19), more preferably any one of groups represented by the formula (Y11), (Y14), (Y15) or (Y19), and still more preferably group represented by the formula (Y11) or (Y14).

Y may have a substituent.

Examples of the substituent of Y include a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a hydroxy group-containing C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₁₆ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbon group, a C₇ to C₂₁ aralkyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group, a glycidyloxy group or a —(CH₂)_(j2)—O—CO—R^(b1) group, wherein R^(b1) represents a C₁ to C₁₆ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₁₆ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₆ to C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbon group, j2 represents an integer of 0 to 4. The alkyl group, alicyclic hydrocarbon group, aromatic hydrocarbon group and the aralkyl group of the substituent may further have a substituent such as a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, a halogen atom and a hydroxy group.

Examples of the halogen atom include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms.

Examples of the hydroxy group-containing alkyl group include hydroxymethyl and hydroxyethyl groups

Examples of the alkoxyl group include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, n-pentyloxy and n-hexyloxy groups.

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include an aryl group such as phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, p-methylphenyl, p-tert-butylphenyl, p-adamantylphenyl, tolyl, xylyl, cumenyl, mesityl, biphenyl, phenanthryl, 2,6-diethylphenyl and 2-methyl-6-ethylphenyl groups.

Examples of the aralkyl group include benzyl, phenethyl, phenylpropyl, naphthylmethyl and naphthylethyl groups.

Examples of the acyl group include acetyl, propionyl and butyryl groups.

Examples of the alkyl and the alicyclic hydrocarbon groups are the same examples as described above.

Examples of Y include the groups below.

When Y represents an alkyl group and L^(b1) represents a C₁ to C₁₇ divalent saturated hydrocarbon group, the —CH₂— contained in the divalent saturated hydrocarbon group bonding Y is preferably replaced by an oxygen atom or carbonyl group. In this case, the —CH₂— contained in the alkyl group constituting Y is not replaced by an oxygen atom or carbonyl group. The same shall be applied when the alkyl group of Y and divalent saturated hydrocarbon group of L^(b1) have a substituent.

Y is preferably an alicyclic hydrocarbon group which may optionally have a substituent, more preferably an adamantyl group which may optionally have a substituent, for example, an oxo group and a hydroxy group, and still more preferably an adamantyl group, a hydroxyadamantyl group and an oxoadamantyl group.

The sulfonate anion is preferably an anions represented by the formula (b1-1-1) to the formula (b1-1-9) below. In the formula (b1-1-1) to the formula (b1-1-9), Q¹, Q² and L^(b2) represents the same meaning as defined above. R^(b2) and R^(b3) independently represent a C₁ to C₄ alkyl group (preferably methyl group).

Specific examples of the sulfonate anion include sulfonate anions described in JP2010-204646A.

Examples of the cation of the acid generator (B) include an organic onium cation, for example, organic sulfonium cation, organic iodonium cation, organic ammonium cation, benzothiazolium cation and organic phosphonium cation. Among these, organic sulfonium cation and organic iodonium cation are preferable, and aryl sulfonium cation is more preferable.

Z⁺ of the formula (B1) is preferably represented by any of the formula (b2-1) to the formula (b2-4).

wherein R^(b4), R^(b5) and R^(b6) independently represent a C₁ to C₃₀ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₆ to C₃₆ aromatic hydrocarbon group, or R^(b4) and R^(b5) may be bonded together to form a sulfur-containing ring, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the alkyl group may be replaced by a hydroxy group, a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxy group or a C₆ to C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbon group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be replaced by a halogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₈ alkyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group and a glycidyloxy group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the aromatic hydrocarbon group may be replaced by a halogen atom, a hydroxy group or a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxy group;

R^(b7) and R^(b8) in each occurrence independently represent a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group or a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group;

m2 and n2 independently represent an integer of 0 to 5;

R^(b9) and R^(b10) independently represent a C₁ to C₁₈ alkyl group or a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, or R^(b9) and R^(b10) may be bonded together with a sulfur atom bonded thereto to form a sulfur-containing 3- to 12-membered (preferably 3- to 7-membered) ring, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the ring may be replaced by —O—, —CO— or —S—;

R^(b11) represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₈ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₆ to C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbon group;

R^(b12) represents a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₆ to C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbon group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the alkyl group may be replaced by a C₆ to C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbon group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the aromatic hydrocarbon group may be replaced by a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxy group or a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl carbonyloxy group;

R^(b11) and R^(b12) may be bonded together with —CH—CO— bonded thereto to form a 3- to 12-membered (preferably a 3- to 7-membered) ring, and one or more —CH₂— contained in the ring may be replaced by —O—, —CO— or —S—;

R^(b13), R^(b14), R^(b15), R^(b16), R^(b17) and R^(b18) in each occurrence independently represent a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group or a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxy group;

L^(b11) represents —S— or —O—;

o2, p2, s2 and t2 independently represent an integer of 0 to 5;

q2 or r2 independently represent an integer of 0 to 4;

u2 represents an integer of 0 or 1.

Examples of the alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl and 2-ethylhexyl groups. In particular, the alkyl group of R^(b9) to R^(b12) is preferably a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group.

Examples of the alkyl group in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by an alicyclic hydrocarbon group include 1-(1-adamatane-1-yl)alkane-1-yl group.

Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group include a monocyclic hydrocarbon groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclodecyl; a polycyclic hydrocarbon groups such as decahydronaphtyl, adamantyl and norbornyl, groups as well as groups below.

In particular, the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of R^(b9) to R^(b12) is preferably a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably a C₄ to C₁₂ alicyclic hydrocarbon group.

Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by an alkyl group include methyl cyclohexyl, dimethyl cyclohexyl, 2-alkyladamantane-2-yl, methyl norbornyl and isobornyl groups.

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group include phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, p-methylphenyl, p-tert-butylphenyl, p-adamantylphenyl, tolyl, xylyl, cumenyl, mesityl, biphenyl, phenanthryl, 2,6-diethylphenyl and 2-methyl-6-ethylphenyl groups.

When the aromatic hydrocarbon include an alkyl group or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a C₁ to C₁₈ alkyl group or a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group is preferable.

Examples of the alkyl group in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by an aromatic hydrocarbon group, i.e., aralkyl group include benzyl, phenethyl, phenylpropyl, trityl, naphthylmethyl and naphthylethyl groups.

Examples of the alkoxyl group include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy, decyloxy and dodecyloxy groups.

Examples of the halogen atom include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms.

Examples of the acyl group include acetyl, propionyl and butyryl groups.

Examples of the alkyl carbonyloxy group include methyl carbonyloxy, ethyl carbonyloxy, n-propyl carbonyloxy, isopropyl carbonyloxy, n-butyl carbonyloxy, sec-butyl carbonyloxy, tert-butyl carbonyloxy, pentyl carbonyloxy, hexyl carbonyloxy, octyl carbonyloxy and 2-ethylhexylcarbonyloxy groups.

The sulfur-containing ring formed by R^(b4) and R^(b5) may be either of monocyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, or saturated or unsaturated ring, and may further have at least one of sulfur atom and/or at least one of oxygen atom as long as the ring has one sulfur atom. The ring is preferably a ring having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably a ring having 4 to 12 carbon atoms.

Examples of the ring having a sulfur atom and formed by R^(b9) and R^(b10) bonded together include thiolane-1-ium ring (tetrahydrothiophenium ring), thian-1-ium ring and 1,4-oxathian-4-ium ring.

Examples of the ring having —CH—CO— and formed by R^(b11) and R^(b12) bonded together include oxocycloheptane ring, oxocyclohexane ring, oxonorbornane ring and oxoadamantane ring.

Among the cations represented by the formula (b2-1) to the formula (b2-4), the cation represented by the formula (b2-1-1) is preferable, and triphenyl sulfonium cation (v2=w2=×2=0 in the formula (b2-1-1)), diphenyl sulfonium cation (v2=w2=0, x2=1, and R^(b21) is a methyl group in the formula (b2-1-1)), and tritolyl sulfonium cation (v2=w2=×2=1, R^(b19), R^(b20) and R^(b21) are a methyl group in the formula (b2-1-1)) are more preferable.

wherein R^(b19), R^(b20) and R^(b21) in each occurrence independently represent a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₈ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxy group, or two of R^(b19), R^(b20) and R^(b21) may be bonded together to form a sulfur-containing ring;

v2 to x2 independently represent an integer of 0 to 5.

In the formula (b2-1-1), the sulfur-containing ring formed by two of R^(b19), R^(b20) and R^(b21) may be either of monocyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, or saturated or unsaturated ring, and may further have at least one of sulfur atom and/or at least one of oxygen atom as long as the ring has one sulfur atom.

In particular, the alkyl group of R^(b19) to R^(b21) is preferably a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group, the alicyclic hydrocarbon group of R^(b19) to R^(b21) is preferably a C₄ to C₁₈ alicyclic hydrocarbon group,

R^(b19) to R^(b21) independently preferably represent a halogen atom (and more preferably fluorine atom), a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group or a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxy group; or two of R^(b19), R^(b20) and R^(b21) are preferably bonded together to form a sulfur-containing ring, and

v2 to x2 independently represent preferably 0 or 1.

Specific examples of the organic cations represented by the formula (b2-1) to the formula (b2-4) and the formula (b2-1-1) include, for example, compounds described in JP2010-204646A.

The acid generator (B1) is a compound combined the above sulfonate anion with an organic cation.

The above sulfonate anion and the organic cation may optionally be combined, a combination of any of the anion represented by the formula (b1-1-1) to the formula (b1-1-9) and the cation represented by the formula (b2-1-1), as well as a combination of any of the anion represented by the formula (b1-1-3) to the formula (b1-1-5) and the cation represented by the formula (b2-3) are preferable.

Preferred acid generators (B1) are represented by the formula (B1-1) to the formula (B1-20). Among these, the formulae (B1-1), (B1-2), (B1-6), (B1-11), (B1-12), (B1-13) and (B1-14) which contain triphenyl sulfonium cation, and the formulae (B1-3) and (B1-7) which contain tritolyl sulfonium cation are preferable.

In the resist composition of the present invention, the proportion of the acid generator (B) is preferably not less than 1 weight % (and more preferably not less than 3 weight %), and not more than 40 weight % (and more preferably not more than 35 weight %, and still more preferably not more than 30 weight %), with respect to 100 weight % of the resin (A2).

In the resist composition of the present invention, the acid generator (B) may be used as a single salt or as a combination of two or more salts.

<Solvent (E)>

The resist composition of the present invention preferably includes a solvent (E). The proportion of the solvent (E) 90 weight % or more, preferably 92 weight % or more, and more preferably 94 weight % or more, and also preferably 99.9 weight % or less and more preferably 99 weight % or less. The proportion of the solvent (E) can be measured with a known analytical method such as, for example, liquid chromatography and gas chromatography.

Examples of the solvent (E) include glycol ether esters such as ethylcellosolve acetate, methylcellosolve acetate and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate; glycol ethers such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether; ethers such as diethylene glycol dimethyl ether; esters such as ethyl lactate, butyl acetate, amyl acetate and ethyl pyruvate; ketones such as acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-heptanone and cyclohexanone; and cyclic esters such as γ-butyrolactone. These solvents may be used as a single solvent or as a mixture of two or more solvents.

<Basic Compound (C)>

The resist composition of the present invention may contain a basic compound (C). The basic compound (C) is a compound having a property to quench an acid, in particular, generated from the acid generator (B), and called “quencher”.

As the basic compounds (C), nitrogen-containing basic compounds (for example, amine and basic ammonium salt) are preferable. The amine may be an aliphatic amine or an aromatic amine. The aliphatic amine includes any of a primary amine, secondary amine and tertiary amine. Preferred basic compounds (C) include compounds presented by the formula (C1) to the formula (C8) and the formula (C1-1) as described below. Among these, the basic compound presented by the formula (C1-1) is more preferable.

wherein R^(c1), R^(c2) and R^(c3) independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, C₅ to C₁₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₆ to C₁₀ aromatic hydrocarbon group, one or more hydrogen atom contained in the alkyl group and alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be replaced by a hydroxy group, an amino group or a C₁ to C₆ alkoxyl group, one or more hydrogen atom contained in the aromatic hydrocarbon group may be replaced by a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₆ alkoxyl group, a C₅ to C₁₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₆ to C₁₀ aromatic hydrocarbon group.

wherein R^(c2) and R^(c3) have the same definition of the above;

R^(c4) in each occurrence represents a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₆ alkoxyl group, a C₅ to C₁₀ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₆ to C₁₀ aromatic hydrocarbon group;

m3 represents an integer 0 to 3.

wherein R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7) and R^(c8) independently represent the any of the group as described in R^(c1) of the above;

R^(c9) in each occurrence independently represents a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group, a C₃ to C₆ alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C₂ to C₆ alkanoyl group;

n3 represents an integer of 0 to 8.

wherein R^(c10), R^(c11), R^(c12), R^(c13) and R^(c16) independently represent the any of the groups as described in R^(c1);

R^(c14), R^(c15) and R^(c17) in each occurrence independently represent the any of the groups as described in R^(c4);

o3 and p3 represent an integer of 0 to 3;

L^(c1) represents a divalent C₁ to C₆ alkanediyl group, —CO—, —C(═NH)—, —S— or a combination thereof.

wherein R^(c18), R^(c19) and R^(c20) in each occurrence independently represent the any of the groups as described in R^(c4);

q3, r3 and s3 represent an integer of 0 to 3;

L^(c2) represents a single bond, a C₁ to C₆ alkanediyl group, —CO—, —C(═NH)—, —S— or a combination thereof.

In the formula (C1) to the formula (C8) and the formula (C1-1), the alkyl, alicyclic hydrocarbon, aromatic, alkoxy and alkanediyl groups include the same examples as the above.

Examples of the alkanoyl group include acetyl, 2-methyl acetyl, 2,2-dimethyl acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, pentanoyl and 2,2-dimethyl propionyl groups.

Specific examples of the amine represented by the formula (C1) include 1-naphtylamine, 2-naphtylamine, aniline, diisopropylaniline, 2-, 3- or 4-methylaniline, 4-nitroaniline, N-methylaniline, N,N-dimethylaniline, diphenylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, octylamine, nonylamine, decylamine, dibutylamine, dipentylamine, dihexylamine, diheptylamine, dioctylamine, dinonylamine, didecylamine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, tripentylamine, trihexylamine, triheptylamine, trioctylamine, trinonylamine, tridecylamine, methyldibutylamine, methyldipentylamine, methyldihexylamine, methyldicyclohexylamine, methyldiheptylamine, methyldioctylamine, methyldinonylamine, methyldidecylamine, ethyldibutylamine, ethyldipentylamine, ethyldihexylamine, ethyldiheptylamine, ethyldioctylamine, ethyldinonylamine, ethyldidecylamine, dicyclohexylmethylamine, tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine, triisopropanolamine, ethylene diamine, tetramethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, 4,4′-diamino-1,2-diphenylethane, 4,4′-diamino-3,3′-dimethyldiphenylmethane and 4,4′-diamino-3,3′-diethyldiphenylmethane.

Among these, diisopropylaniline is preferable, particularly 2,6-diisopropylaniline is more preferable as the basic compounds (C) contained in the present resist composition.

Specific examples of the compound represented by the formula (C2) include, for example, piperazine.

Specific examples of the compound represented by the formula (C3) include, for example, morpholine.

Specific examples of the compound represented by the formula (C4) include, for example, piperidine, a hindered amine compound having piperidine skeleton described in JP H11-52575-A.

Specific examples of the compound represented by the formula (C5) include, for example, 2,2′-methylenebisaniline.

Specific examples of the compound represented by the formula (C6) include, for example, imidazole and 4-methylimidazole.

Specific examples of the compound represented by the formula (C7) include, for example, pyridine and 4-methylpyridine.

Specific examples of the compound represented by the formula (C8) include, for example, 1,2-di(2-pyridyl)ethane, 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethane, 1,2-di(2-pyridyl)ethene, 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethene, 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane, 1,2-di(4-pyridyloxy)ethane, di(2-pyridyl)ketone, 4,4′-dipyridyl sulfide, 4,4′-dipyridyl disulfide, 2,2′-dipyridylamine, 2,2′-dipicolylamine and bipyridine.

Examples of the ammonium salt include tetramethylammonium hydroxide, tetraisopropylammonium hydroxide, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, tetrahexylammonium hydroxide, tetraoctylammonium hydroxide, phenyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide, 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, tetra-n-butyl ammonium salicylate and choline.

The proportion of the basic compound (C) is preferably 0.01 to 5 weight %, more preferably 0.01 to 3 weight %, and still more preferably 0.01 to 1 weight % with respect to the total solid proportion of the resist composition.

<Other Ingredient (Hereinafter is Sometimes Referred to as “Other Ingredient (F)”>

The resist composition can also include small amounts of various known additives such as sensitizers, dissolution inhibitors, surfactants, stabilizers, and dyes, as needed.

<Preparing the Resist Composition>

The present resist composition can be prepared by mixing the resin (A1), the resin (A2) and the acid generator (B), and the basic compound (C), the solvent (E) and the other ingredient (F) as needed. There is no particular limitation on the order of mixing. The mixing may be performed in an arbitrary order. The temperature of mixing may be adjusted to an appropriate temperature within the range of 10 to 40° C., depending on the kinds of the resin and solubility in the solvent (E) of the resin. The time of mixing may be adjusted to an appropriate time within the range of 0.5 to 24 hours, depending on the mixing temperature. There is no particular limitation to the tool for mixing. An agitation mixing may be adopted.

After mixing the above ingredients, the present resist compositions can be prepared by filtering the mixture through a filter having about 0.003 to 0.2 μm pore diameter.

<Method for Producing a Resist Pattern>

The method for producing a resist pattern of the present invention includes the steps of:

(1) applying the resist composition of the present invention onto a substrate;

(2) drying the applied composition to form a composition layer;

(3) exposing the composition layer;

(4) heating the exposed composition layer, and

(5) developing the heated composition layer.

Applying the resist composition onto the substrate can generally be carried out through the use of a resist application device, such as a spin coater known in the field of semiconductor microfabrication technique.

Drying the applied composition layer, for example, can be carried out using a heating device such as a hotplate (so-called “prebake”), a decompression device, or a combination thereof. Thus, the solvent evaporates from the resist composition and a composition layer with the solvent removed is formed. The condition of the heating device or the decompression device can be adjusted depending on the kinds of the solvent used. The temperature in this case is generally within the range of 50 to 200° C. Moreover, the pressure is generally within the range of 1 to 1.0×10⁵ Pa.

The composition layer thus obtained is generally exposed using an exposure apparatus or a liquid immersion exposure apparatus. The exposure is generally carried out through a mask that corresponds to the desired pattern. Various types of exposure light source can be used, such as irradiation with ultraviolet lasers such as KrF excimer laser (wavelength: 248 nm), ArF excimer laser (wavelength: 193 nm), F₂ excimer laser (wavelength: 157 nm), or irradiation with far-ultraviolet wavelength-converted laser light from a solid-state laser source (YAG or semiconductor laser or the like), or vacuum ultraviolet harmonic laser light or the like. Also, the exposure device may be one which irradiates electron beam or extreme-ultraviolet light (EUV).

After exposure, the composition layer is subjected to a heat treatment (so-called “post-exposure bake”) to promote the deprotection reaction. The heat treatment can be carried out using a heating device such as a hotplate. The heating temperature is generally in the range of 50 to 200° C., preferably in the range of 70 to 150° C.

The composition layer is developed after the heat treatment, generally with an alkaline developing solution and using a developing apparatus. The development here means to bring the composition layer after the heat treatment into contact with an alkaline solution. Thus, the exposed portion of the composition layer is dissolved by the alkaline solution and removed, and the unexposed portion of the composition layer remains on the substrate, whereby producing a resist pattern. Here, as the alkaline developing solution, various types of aqueous alkaline solutions used in this field can be used. Examples include aqueous solutions of tetramethylammonium hydroxide and (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide (common name: choline).

After the development, it is preferable to rinse the substrate and the pattern with ultrapure water and to remove any residual water thereon.

<Application>

The resist composition of the present invention is useful as the resist composition for excimer laser lithography such as with ArF, KrF or the like, and the resist composition for electron beam (EB) exposure lithography and extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) exposure lithography, as well as liquid immersion exposure lithography.

The resist composition of the present invention can be used in semiconductor microfabrication and in manufacture of liquid crystals, thermal print heads for circuit boards and the like, and furthermore in other photofabrication processes, which can be suitably used in a wide range of applications.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described more specifically by way of examples, which are not construed to limit the scope of the present invention.

All percentages and parts expressing the content or amounts used in the Examples and Comparative Examples are based on weight, unless otherwise specified.

The structure of a compound is measured by MASS (LC: manufactured by Agilent, 1100 type, MASS: manufactured by Agilent, LC/MSD type or LC/MSD TOF type).

The weight average molecular weight is a value determined by gel permeation chromatography.

Apparatus: HLC-8120GPCtype (Tosoh Co. Ltd.)

Column: TSK gel Multipore HXL-M×3+guardcolumn (Tosoh Co. Ltd.)

Eluant: tetrahydrofuran

Flow rate: 1.0 mL/min

Detecting device: RI detector

Column temperature: 40° C.

Injection amount: 100 μL

Standard material for calculating molecular weight: standard polystylene (Toso Co. ltd.)

Synthesis Example 1 Synthesis of Compound Represented by the Formula (A)

9.60 parts of a compound (A-2), 38.40 parts of tetrahydrofuran and 5.99 parts of pyridine were mixed, and stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained mixture was cooled to 0° C. To this mixture, 14.00 parts of a compound (A-1) was added over 1 hour while maintaining at the same temperature. The temperature of the mixture was then elevated to about 10° C., and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at the same temperature. To the obtained reactant including a compound (A-3), 14.51 parts of a compound of (A-4), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride, and 8.20 parts of a compound of (A-5) were added, and stirred for 3 hours at 23° C. 271.95 parts of ethyl acetate and 16.57 parts of 5% of hydrochloric acid solution were added to the obtained mixture, the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained solution was allowed to stand, and then separated to recover an organic layer. To the recovered organic layer, 63.64 parts of a saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate was added, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer. These washing operations were repeated for 2 times. To the washed organic layer, 67.99 parts of ion-exchanged water was added, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer with water. These washing operations were repeated for 5 times. The obtained organic layer was concentrated, to the obtained concentrate, 107.71 parts of ethyl acetate was added, stirred to dissolve the concentrate completely, and 64.26 parts of n-heptane was added in the form of drops to this. After addition, the obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., and filtrated, resulting in 15.11 parts of the compound (A).

MS (mass spectroscopy): 486.2 (molecular ion peak)

Synthesis Example 2 Synthesis of Compound Represented by the Formula (B)

6.32 parts of a compound (B-2), 30.00 parts of tetrahydrofuran and 5.99 parts of pyridine were mixed, and stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained mixture was cooled to 0° C. To this mixture, 14.00 parts of a compound (B-1) was added over 1 hour while maintaining at the same temperature. The temperature of the mixture was then elevated to about 10° C., and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at the same temperature. To the obtained reactant including a compound (B-3), 14.51 parts of a compound of (B-4), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride, and 8.20 parts of a compound of (B-5) were added, and stirred for 3 hours at 23° C. 270.00 parts of ethyl acetate and 16.57 parts of 5% of hydrochloric acid solution were added to the obtained mixture, the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained solution was allowed to stand, and then separated to recover an organic layer. To the recovered organic layer, 65.00 parts of a saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate was added, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer. These washing operations were repeated for 2 times. To the washed organic layer was added 65.00 parts of ion-exchanged water, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer with water. These washing operations were repeated for 5 times. The obtained organic layer was concentrated, to the obtained concentrate, and separated by a column (condition; stationary phase: silica gel 60-200 mesh manufactured by Merk, developing solvent: n-heptane/ethyl acetate), resulting in 9.90 parts of the compound (B).

MS (mass spectroscopy): 434.1 (molecular ion peak)

Synthesis Example 3 Synthesis of Compound Represented by the Formula (C)

7.08 parts of a compound (C-2), 30.00 parts of tetrahydrofuran and 5.99 parts of pyridine were mixed, and stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained mixture was cooled to 0° C. To this mixture, 14.00 parts of a compound (C-1) was added over 1 hour while maintaining at the same temperature. The temperature of the mixture was then elevated to about 10° C., and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at the same temperature. To the obtained reactant including a compound (C-3), 14.51 parts of a compound of (C-4), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride, and 8.20 parts of a compound of (C-5) were added, and stirred for 3 hours at 23° C. 270.00 parts of ethyl acetate and 16.57 parts of 5% of hydrochloric acid solution were added to the obtained mixture, the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained solution was allowed to stand, and then separated to recover an organic layer. To the recovered organic layer, 65.00 parts of a saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate was added, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer. These washing operations were repeated for 2 times. To the washed organic layer was added 65.00 parts of ion-exchanged water, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer with water. These washing operations were repeated for 5 times. The obtained organic layer was concentrated, to the obtained concentrate, and separated by a column (condition; stationary phase: silica gel 60-200 mesh manufactured by Merk, developing solvent: n-heptane/ethyl acetate), resulting in 10.24 parts of the compound (C).

MS (mass spectroscopy): 446.1 (molecular ion peak)

Synthesis Example 4 Synthesis of Compound Represented by the Formula (F)

25.00 parts of a compound (F-1) and 25.00 parts of tetrahydro tetrahydrofuran were mixed, and stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained mixture was cooled to 0° C. To this mixture, a mixture of 8.50 parts of a compound (F-2), 25.00 parts of tetrahydrofuran and 11.2 parts of pyridine was added, over 1 hour while maintaining at the same temperature. The temperature of the mixture was then elevated to about 25° C., and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour at the same temperature. To the obtained reactant, 190 parts of ethyl acetate and 50 parts of ion-exchanged water were added, and then separated to recover an organic layer. The obtained organic layer was concentrated. To the obtained concentrate, 150.0 parts of n-heptane was added, and the obtained mixture was stirred, and the supernatant was removed. The obtained mixture was concentrated, resulting in 28.7 parts of the compound (F-3).

19.80 parts of a compound (F-3), 90.0 parts of tetrahydrofuran, 10.3 parts of a compound (F-5) and 5.0 parts of pyridine were mixed, and stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained mixture was cooled to 0° C. To this mixture, 15.2 parts of a compound (F-4), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride, was added, and stirred for 18 hours at 23° C. 450.0 parts of n-heptane and 47.0 parts of 5% of hydrochloric acid solution were added to the obtained mixture, the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C. The obtained solution was allowed to stand, and then separated to recover an organic layer. To the recovered organic layer, 37.0 parts of 10% potassium carbonate was added, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer. These washing operations were repeated for 2 times. To the washed organic layer, 120.0 parts of ion-exchanged water was added, and the obtained solution was stirred for 30 minutes at 23° C., allowed to stand, and then separated to wash the organic layer with water. These washing operations were repeated for 5 times. The obtained organic layer was concentrated to the obtained concentrate, resulting in 20.1 parts of the compound (F).

MS (mass spectroscopy): 406.1 (molecular ion peak)

Synthetic Example of the Resin

The monomers used the synthesis of the resin are shown below.

These monomers are referred to as “monomer (a1-1-1)” to “monomer (F)”.

Synthetic Example 5 Synthesis of Resin A1-1

Monomer (a-4-1-7) and monomer (A) were mixed together with a mole ratio of Monomer (a-4-1-7): monomer (A)=90:10, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 0.7 mol % and 2.1 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 75° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a large amount of methanol/water mixed solvent to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a mixture of methanol/water mixed solvent to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated for two times, resulting in a 82% yield of copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 17000. This copolymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A1-1.

Synthetic Example 6 Synthesis of Resin A1-2

Monomer (B) was used, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 0.7 mol % and 2.1 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 75° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a large amount of methanol/water mixed solvent to precipitate a resin. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a mixture of methanol/water mixed solvent to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated for two times, resulting in a 85% yield of polymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 20000. This polymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A 1-2.

Synthetic Example 7 Synthesis of Resin A1-3

Monomer (C) was used, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 0.7 mol % and 2.1 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 75° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a large amount of methanol/water mixed solvent to precipitate a resin. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a mixture of methanol/water mixed solvent to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated for two times, resulting in a 83% yield of polymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 19000. This polymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A1-3.

Synthetic Example 8 Synthesis of Resin A1-4

Monomer (F) was used, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.2 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 4.5 mol % with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 60° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a large amount of n-heptane to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated, resulting in a 90% yield of polymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 39000. This polymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A1-4.

Synthetic Example 9 Synthesis of Resin A2-1

Monomer (a1-1-3), monomer (a1-2-3), monomer (a2-1-1), monomer (D), monomer (a3-1-1) and monomer (a3-2-3) were mixed together with a mole ratio of monomer (a1-1-3): monomer (a1-2-3): monomer (a2-1-1): monomer (D): monomer (a3-1-1):monomer (a3-2-2)=28:14:6:5:31:16, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 1 mol % and 3 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 73° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a mixture of a large amount of methanol and water (methanol:water=4:1, weight ratio) to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a large amount of a mixture of methanol and water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated two times, resulting in a 81% yield of copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 7600. This copolymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A2-1.

Synthetic Example 10 Synthesis of Resin A2-2

Monomer (a1-1-3), monomer (a1-2-3), monomer (a2-1-1), monomer (D) and monomer (a3-1-1) were mixed together with a mole ratio of monomer (a1-1-3): monomer (a1-2-3): monomer (a2-1-1): monomer (D): monomer (a3-1-1)=28:14:10:10:38, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 1 mol % and 3 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 75° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a mixture of a large amount of methanol and water (methanol: water=4:1, weight ratio) to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a large amount of a mixture of methanol and water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated two times, resulting in a 76% yield of copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 7200. This copolymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A2-2.

Synthetic Example 11 Synthesis of Resin A2-3

Monomer (a1-1-2), monomer (a1-2-3), monomer (a2-1-1), monomer (D) and monomer (a3-1-1) were mixed together with a mole ratio of monomer (a1-1-2): monomer (a1-2-3): monomer (a2-1-1): monomer (D): monomer (a3-1-1)=25:18:3:9:45, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 1 mol % and 3 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 75° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a mixture of a large amount of methanol and water (methanol: water=4:1, weight ratio) to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a large amount of a mixture of methanol and water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated two times, resulting in a 70% yield of copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 7600. This copolymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A2-3.

Synthetic Example 12 Synthesis of Resin A2-4

Monomer (a1-1-2), monomer (a1-5-1), monomer (a2-1-1), monomer (D) and monomer (a3-1-1) were mixed together with a mole ratio of monomer (a1-1-2): monomer (a1-5-1): monomer (a2-1-1): monomer (D): monomer (a3-1-1)=25:18:3:9:45, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 1 mol % and 3 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 75° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a mixture of a large amount of methanol and water (methanol: water=4:1, weight ratio) to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a large amount of a mixture of methanol and water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated two times, resulting in a 78% yield of copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 7500. This copolymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin A2-4.

Synthetic Example 13 Synthesis of Resin X1

Monomer (a1-1-1), monomer (a3-1-1) and monomer (a2-1-1) were mixed together with a mole ratio of monomer (a1-1-1): monomer (a3-1-1): monomer (a2-1-1)=35:45:20, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 1.0 mol % and 3.0 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 75° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a mixture of a large amount of methanol and water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a mixture of methanol and water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated 2 times, resulting in a 75% yield of copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 7000. This copolymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin X1.

Synthetic Example 14 Synthesis of Resin X2

Monomer (E) and monomer (a1-1-1) were mixed together with a mole ratio of monomer (E): monomer (a1-1-1)=80:20, and dioxane was added thereto in an amount equal to 1.5 times by weight of the total amount of monomers to obtain a solution. Azobisisobutyronitrile and azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) was added as an initiator to obtain a solution in an amount of 0.5 mol % and 1.5 mol % respectively with respect to the entire amount of monomers, and the resultant mixture was heated for about 5 hours at 70° C. After that, the obtained reacted mixture was poured into a mixture of a large amount of methanol and water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. Thus obtained resin was dissolved in another dioxane to obtain a solution, and the solution was poured into a mixture of methanol and ion-exchanged water to precipitate a resin. The obtained resin was filtrated. These operations were repeated 2 times, resulting in a 70% yield of copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 28000. This copolymer, which had the structural units of the following formula, was referred to Resin X2.

(Preparing Resist Composition)

Resist compositions were prepared by mixing and dissolving each of the components shown in Table 1, and then filtrating through a fluororesin filter having 0.2 μm pore diameter.

TABLE 1 (Unit: parts) Acid Basic BP/PEB Resin Generator Compound (° C.) Ex. 1 A1-1/A2-1 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 95/85 2 A1-1/A2-2 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 95/85 3 A1-1/A2-3 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 110/105 4 A1-2/A2-1 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 95/85 5 A1-2/A2-2 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 95/85 6 A1-2/A2-3 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 110/105 7 A1-3/A2-1 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 95/85 8 A1-3/A2-2 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 95/85 9 A1-3/A2-3 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 110/105 10 A1-2/A2-3 = 0.3/10 B2/B3 = C1 = 0.07 110/105 1.0/0.1 11 A1-2/A2-4 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 110/105 12 A1-4/A2-3 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 110/105 13 A1-4/A2-4 = 0.7/10 B1 = 1.0 C1 = 0.07 110/105 Comparative Ex. 1 X2/X1 = 0.3/10 B2/B3 = C1 = 0.07 110/105 1.0/0.1 <Resin>

Resins A1-1 to A1-4, A2-1 to A2-4, X1 and X2 Prepared by the Synthetic Examples

<Acid Generator>

B1: this was prepared by a method according to the method described in the Examples of JP2010-152341A

B2: this was prepared by a method according to the method described in the Examples of WO2008/99869 and JP2010-26478A

B3: this was prepared by a method according to the method described in the Examples of JP2005-221721A

<Basic Compound: Qencher>

C1: 2,6-diisopropylaniline (obtained from Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., LTD)

Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate 265 parts Propylene glycol monomethyl ether 20 parts 2-Heptanone 20 parts γ-butyrolactone 3.5 parts (Producing Resist Pattern)

A composition for an organic antireflective film (“ARC-29”, by Nissan Chemical Co. Ltd.) was applied onto 12-inch silicon wafers and baked for 60 seconds at 205° C. to form a 78 nm thick organic antireflective film.

The above resist compositions were then applied thereon by spin coating so that the thickness of the resulting film became 85 nm after drying.

The obtained wafers were then pre-baked for 60 sec on a direct hot plate at the temperatures given in the “PB” column in Table 1 to obtain a composition layer.

Line and space patterns were then exposed through stepwise changes in exposure quantity using an ArF excimer stepper for immersion lithography (“XT:1900Gi” by ASML Ltd.: NA=1.35, ¾ Annular, X-Y deflection), on the wafers on which the composition layer thus been formed. The ultrapure water was used for medium of immersion.

After the exposure, post-exposure baking was carried out by 60 seconds at the temperatures given in the “PEB” column in Table 1.

Then, puddle development was carried out with 2.38 wt % tetramethylammonium hydroxide aqueous solution for 60 seconds to obtain a resist pattern.

Effective sensitivity was represented as the exposure amount at which a 50 nm line and space pattern resolved to 1:1 with the each resist film.

(Focus Margin (DOF) Evaluation)

The index (DOF) is measured as the focus range in which the line width of the resist patterns was kept within 50 nm±5% (47.5 to 52.5 nm), where the resist patterns were formed based on the effective sensitivity while the focus was adjusted stepwise.

A “◯◯” was given when the DOF value was >0.18 μm,

a “◯” was given when the DOF value was >0.12 μm and ≦0.18, and

an “x” was given when the DOF value was 0.12 μm.

Table 2 illustrates the results thereof. The parenthetical number means DOF values.

(Evaluation of Defects)

The above resist compositions were applied on each of the 12-inch-silicon wafers by spin coating so that the thickness of the resulting film became 150 nm after drying.

The obtained wafers were then pre-baked for 60 seconds on a direct hot plate at the temperatures given in the “PB” column in Table 1 to obtain a composition layer.

The thus obtained wafers with the produced composition layers were rinsed with water for 60 seconds using a developing apparatus (ACT-12, Tokyo electron Co. Ltd.).

Thereafter, the number of defects was counted using a defect inspection apparatus (KLA-2360, KLA-Tencor Co. Ltd.)

Table 2 illustrates the results thereof.

TABLE 2 DOF Defects Ex. 1 ∘∘ (0.21) 160 2 ∘ (0.18) 190 3 ∘∘ (0.21) 210 4 ∘∘ (0.21) 140 5 ∘∘ (0.21) 100 6 ∘∘ (0.21) 110 7 ∘∘ (0.21) 100 8 ∘∘ (0.21) 110 9 ∘∘ (0.21) 120 10 ∘ (0.15) 380 11 ∘∘ (0.21) 100 12 ∘∘ (0.24) 160 13 ∘∘ (0.24) 150 Com. Ex. 1 x (0.09) 720

According to the resist composition of the present invention, it is possible to achieve satisfactory wide focus margin (DOF) and defect-free. Therefore, the present resist composition can be used for semiconductor microfabrication. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A resist composition comprising a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (II) and being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and not including the structural unit represented by the formula (I) and an acid generator;

wherein R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; A¹ represents a C₁ to C₆ alkanediyl group; A¹³ represents a C₁ to C₆ perfluoro alkanediyl group; X¹² represents *—CO—O— or *—O—CO—; * represents a bond to A¹³; A¹⁴ represents a C₁ to C₁₇ aliphatic hydrocarbon group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms;

wherein R³ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl group that optionally has one or more halogen atoms; ring X¹ represents a C₂ to C₃₆ heterocyclic group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the heterocyclic group may be replaced by a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₂₄ hydrocarbon group, a C₁ to C₁₂ alkoxyl group, a C₂ to C₄ acyl group or a C₂ to C₄ acyloxy group.
 2. The resist composition according to claim 1, wherein A¹ in the formula (I) is an ethylene group.
 3. The resist composition according to claim 1, wherein X¹² in the formula (I) is *—CO—O—, * represents a bond to A¹³.
 4. The resist composition according to claim 1, wherein A¹⁴ in the formula (I) is a cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl or adamantyl group.
 5. The resist composition according to claim 1, which further comprises a solvent.
 6. A method for producing a resist pattern comprising steps of: (1) applying the resist composition of claim 1 onto a substrate; (2) drying the applied composition to form a composition layer; (3) exposing the composition layer; (4) heating the exposed composition layer, and (5) developing the heated composition layer. 